Campaigner Mary Dhonau slams Environment Agency

Stalwart campaigner Mary Long-Dhonau, of Worcester, said people could lose their cars, homes and in the worst case scenario, their lives because the agency is not giving flood updates as the Severn continues to rise.

She said: "Who on earth allowed this to happen in a time of great need?

"They should revoke their decision to not supply flood updates."

At the moment the Environment Agency is giving an automated response saying the river is due to peak in Worcester on Sunday.

However, there aren't staff on hand to give current water levels and updates for residents.

So residents are unable to find out when they should expect flood water to seep into their homes and how high the river levels will be.

Mrs Long-Dhonau, who became a flood campaigner after her Worcester home flooded 12 times in 12 years added: "I am disappointed on a national level, the lack of updates could be dangerous for people in rural areas. 

READ MORE: Worcester floods: Live updates as the River Severn rises

"People could lose their cars and homes. 

NORTH QUAY: There are currently no issues around North Quay - traffic moving (Image: Newsquest)

"People who are new to the area, may not know that the river can get over people's heads.

"It could potentially, in the worst case scenario, mean people lose their lives. 

"The River Severn is flooding and some levels are set to reach the highest ever in Shrewsbury".

Mrs Long-Dhonau added: "People can't get precise levels on the river which could flood outside their house.

"People do not know when to move their cars or furniture or when to put up their flood protection".

Footpath from Weir Lane to Diglis Bridge (Image: Justin Parsons)

Mrs Long-Dhonau said not knowing how much the levels are expected to rise can make a stressful situation even worse.

She said: "Around the River Severn at the moment, people's homes are being flooded on an annual basis.

"It is stressful for people when they get filthy and stenchy river water in their homes. 

"Having that extra level of information and knowing, would make it less stressful."

Residents who live near Diglis have raised their concerns about the lack of updates.

Jane Hughes, 60, said: "It would be useful to have updates online, I stay informed by myself, but if you are not local these things should be online to warn people."

Finlay Rastall, 18, often goes for walks around the river and said: "I would prefer to know if any paths have been blocked beforehand.

"It would also be nice to know to what extent it has been flooded". 

The Environment Agency has been contacted for comment.